Understanding occupational therapy degree requirements and which is right for you
In the last few years, there has been some confusion about what qualifications you need to become an occupational therapist. Many students are asking themselves: "Should I get my MSOT or OTD?" and "Will my master's degree still be relevant in the future?"
This article will help clarify the difference between a master of science in occupational therapy (MSOT) and a doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) — and help you understand which path aligns best with your career goals.
What is an MSOT?
An MSOT is an entry-level graduate degree that prepares students to practice as licensed occupational therapists. This degree typically takes 2-3 years to complete and includes both classroom learning and required fieldwork experiences.
After graduating with an MSOT and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, you can work in any clinical setting as a practicing occupational therapist.
An MSOT program typically covers:
- Foundational occupational therapy theory and practice
- Assessment and evaluation techniques
- Intervention planning and implementation
- Professional ethics and standards
- Evidence-based practice principles
- 24 weeks of full-time fieldwork experience
What is a Bridge MSOT Program?
Some institutions, including Belmont University, offer specialized MSOT programs designed for practicing occupational therapy assistants or physical therapy assistants who want to advance their careers.
These bridge programs allow professionals to earn their master's degree without first completing a separate bachelor's in occupational therapy. Further, these programs allow students with clinical experience to immediately apply new knowledge in their workplaces, enhancing their practices and potentially influencing their practice settings.
"Our MSOT program is designed for OT assistants and physical therapy assistants who already have some clinical practice in OT or PT,” said Dr. Missy Bryan, MSOT program director and assistant professor. “Our students are able to filter all the education that we're providing through their experience, and then immediately take it and implement it on Monday morning when they go back to work.”
What is an OTD?
An OTD is an entry-level doctoral degree that also prepares students to practice as licensed occupational therapists, but with additional advanced training.
An OTD typically takes 3-3.5 years to complete and includes the same core curriculum as an MSOT plus advanced coursework and a capstone project. After graduating with an OTD and passing the NBCOT exam, you enter the profession with the same clinical status as MSOT graduates.
An OTD program typically includes everything in an MSOT program, plus:
- Advanced leadership training
- Program development and policy advocacy
- Research methodology and implementation
- Theory development
- Educational methods
- 24 weeks of full-time fieldwork
- 14-week doctoral capstone experience
Do You Need an OTD to be a Practicing Occupational Therapist?
No, you do not need an OTD to be a practicing occupational therapist. Both MSOT and OTD graduates can practice in clinical settings with the same credentials after passing the NBCOT exam.
The confusion surrounding MSOT vs OTD validity stems from a short-lived mandate.
"In 2017, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) announced that master's programs would need to transition to doctoral programs by 2027," Bryan explained. "Then in 2018, ACOTE called for the mandate to be suspended, and in 2019, they agreed to maintain dual entry-level degrees."
Despite the rescinding of this occupational therapy doctorate mandate, outdated information remains online, causing confusion among prospective students.
"The master's degree is still a highly valid, valuable degree," Bryan said. "It allows you to enter the profession."
For more information and clarification on the occupational therapy doctorate mandate, visit ACOTE’s student resources page.
Master's vs Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Salary
When it comes to MSOT vs OTD salary differences, they're minimal in clinical practice settings. Since both MSOT and OTD graduates enter the profession with the same clinical status, most health care facilities do not offer different starting salaries based solely on degree type.
Salary differences typically emerge with experience, specialization and taking on leadership roles rather than from initial degree credentials.
However, an OTD may lead to higher earning potential in academic, research or administrative positions where doctoral preparation is preferred or required.
Occupational Therapist Careers
Graduates with either an MSOT or OTD can pursue numerous career paths, including:
- Hospital acute care settings
- Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- School systems
- Pediatric specialty centers
- Mental health facilities
- Home health services
- Academic and teaching positions (doctoral degree may be preferred)
- Health care administration and leadership
- Program development and policy advocacy
- Entrepreneurial practice
MSOT vs OTD: Which is Right For You?
Both the MSOT and OTD are valid pathways to becoming an occupational therapist, and the right choice depends on your specific career goals.
If you're primarily interested in clinical practice and want to enter the workforce sooner, an MSOT might be the better option. If you're considering teaching, research, leadership positions or developing specialized programs in the future, an OTD provides additional preparation for these roles.
"Choosing between an MSOT and an OTD depends on what you see yourself doing professionally,” explained Bryan. “The doctoral program offers additional training in areas like leadership, research and education, which is beneficial for those looking to teach or take on advanced roles. Essentially, if you want to specialize, the OTD might be the better choice due to its comprehensive training and capstone project."
At Belmont, students can choose between a bridge MSOT program or an OTD program, both leading to successful careers in occupational therapy. For those who begin with an MSOT, post-professional doctoral degrees are available later if career goals evolve.
Ultimately, both degrees prepare you for rewarding careers helping people overcome challenges and live their fullest lives through meaningful occupation.